Coordinated and communal hunting behaviours by Erabu sea krait Laticauda
semifactiata
Abstract
Opportunistic observation of Erabu sea snakes (Laticauda semifaciata)
provide evidence that these species undertake a novel foraging tactic;
coordinated communal hunting. Erabu sea snakes prey on cryptic fish
species in highly complex reef habitats. Intra- and interspecific
cooperative hunting strategies may increase chances for all members of
the hunting party to encounter and capture prey in these complex
habitats. Here we recorded 52 instances of communal hunting by Erabu sea
snakes with conspecifics and other predatory fishes at recreational dive
sites in Southern Lombok, Indonesia. These observations highlight the
potential higher cognitive capacity of sea snakes to coordinate
activities around communal hunting events.